Android Nougat vs Windows 10 : Pros and cons

Android N takes the advantage by allowing a full home screen customization with the help of its new Freestyle layout, as we reported before. Image Source: Android

A classic OS clash is happening over the next weeks as both Windows and Android are planning to release new system upgrades. Windows announced its second Mobile Redstone 10 anniversary update with a possible launch date in August. Android is also expected to unveil the new Nougat later this month, meaning a new chapter in the battle for OS brand domination.

Although both systems provide with a wide number of features, some differences can be found by taking a look at their respective spec sheets. Here´s a list of important points to consider before choosing an OS.

Accessibility

Android Nougat enables an easy notification management by double-taping them on Lock-screen, which leads directly to the app. While Windows only shows notifications from a particular app when the phone is locked. Both operating systems come with voice-assistant support interactions, but Windows will include an upgraded version of its AI assistant Cortana that promises personality, while Android will rely on Google Now for fast searching.

Mobile 10´s home screen consists of folders and Live tiles that can be resized to look more like icons, containing more detailed information about the apps. Android N differences by adding icons and interactive widgets. App resume from the background is reportedly a bit faster on Windows, but Nougat has a more consistent smoother handling of big games when resuming them.

Customization

Windows 10´s approach remains more conservative with options to change tile size and transparency to its only home screen look. However, the anniversary Windows update is reportedly coming with a wide-system dark theme that should add some uniqueness.

Another point for Android is that it lets the user create as many main screens as possible dedicated to apps or widgets, while Windows only counts with one main screen and the app list. Both systems offer a variety of wallpapers to the home screen and lock screen.

Browsing

Android 7.0 focuses on better script reading while using Google Chrome and provides quick page render. But Microsoft Edge comes as more practical with one-handed options such as Swipe page navigation and easier access to tabs.

Playability

Android Nougat has adopted the Vulkan API with promises to deliver better game development. Both systems will count with an array of games on their respective stores, but Android is changing the game by replacing openGL titles with the alternative platformer, which has been getting more recognition since last year.

Although Android´s Google play store is considerably bigger than its competitor, The Windows app store holds up with its apps availability and top rank; users should be able to find the same popular software with just a couple of exceptions like Snapchat.

A central feature of the Nougat 7.0 will be the compatibility with Google´s new Daydream VR project, an initiative that offers smoother VR experience with its 20mts latency. Windows has not released any information about entering the VR competition at least during this year.

Phone support

Windows 10 Mobile Redstone update will be available for a considerable variety of Lumia models and even a couple of BLU smartphones, though is recommended to check the model´s manufacturer website for system requirements. The Android N keeps exclusivity to Google´s Nexus series, especially with the coming of HTC´S new Sailfish and Marlin devices announced this year.

Despite Android´s success in recent years, no clear winner can be declared yet as early reviews of the upcoming OSes beta versions suggest that Windows´s less-is-more approach to the overall design and functions of the mobile 10 Redstone update could work positively for the business crowd market. Android Nougat and the Windows 10 mobile anniversary update are expected to launch sometime between the end of this month and the beginning of September.